Cinnamaldehyde has beneficial effects against oxidative stress and nitric oxide metabolites in the brain of aged rats fed with long-term, high-fat diet

Introduction In this study, a novel use of Cinnamaldehyde in protection of brain oxidative stress was explored. Methods: Male Wistar rats were placed on either a high fat diet (HFD) or a normal diet, starting at 12 weeks of age and lasted for 16 weeks to establish metabolic syndrome. Then, Cinnamaldehyde (20 mg/kg) was daily given orally for 24 weeks. Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) were evaluated in cerebellum, hippocampus, and cortex. Results: The HFD increased malondialdehyde in serum and the brain. Although, NOx concentration was increased in cerebellum, it decreased in serum and adrenal. Cinnamaldehyde lowered lipid peroxidation in serum and brain of HFD rats. Moreover, it restored NOx alterations in adrenal and cerebellum. Conclusion: The results of the present study provide evidence supporting beneficial effects of Cinnamaldehyde on brain disorders associated with metabolic syndrome and aging.